Swimming with Blue Whales, hand line fishing with the locals, surfing clean waves, and dancing barefoot until dawn at a New Years Eve beach party. Unable to resist its draw, the southern Sri Lankan coast reels me back in.

With a bit of betel nut to put a bounce in our step and make our mouths numb, some new friends and I conquer several rewarding hikes in the heart of the Sri Lankan highlands: World’s End and Horton’s Planes National Park

Planes, trains, and tuk-tuks from Indonesia to Sri Lanka.

Averting a structure fire, spearfishing, and a shakedown. From Ubud to Gili Air and back to Canggu, I complete my scooter tour of Bali a few dollars poorer but otherwise unscathed.

Getting reacquainted with the raw power of the ocean on a surfboard before immersing myself in spirituality and calmer waters at a Balinese temple.

Building an airplane in flight. With no responsibilities or timelines, I get into a routine that includes surfing, street food, and sweating profusely. Unlike vacationing, long-term travel develops organically along the way.

Finally heading off. A canceled flight and a change of departure airport weren’t going to stop me. I wasn’t about to let Delta rain on my parade.

Field testing my gear load-out for my world trip. This episode is about trying to strike a balance between having everything I need to sleep anywhere and still fitting it in one backpack. Shenandoah National Park seemed like a fine spot to take it out for a spin.

A hiccup along the way. After quitting my job my brother bought his first home. To help him fix it up I push my flight and roll up my sleeves. Family first. Paradise can wait.

Hopping off the hamster wheel. My first show is the story of taking a leap of faith to pursue my dream of traveling the world. Step one, quitting my job.